College Connect - Issue #5 - June 2020

COLLEGE CONNECT SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE’S FUTURE SUCCESS

College Connect Issue 5

Bolton College - Part of the University of Bolton Group

We’re unstoppable!

Bolton College’s students and staff have continued to amaze and inspire during lockdown. They’ve overcome challenges, supported each other and surpassed our high expectations.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received about the work being done to make the home learning experience a positive one. We always knew that our students and staff were special, and this just proves it!

Along with our current learners, the young people joining us in September are our priority. Your son or daughter’s place at College is guaranteed, but if you do have any concerns, we’re only a phone call away. See page 3 to read more

Bolton College’s

Motor Vehicle Employer Academy Proudly supported by the RRG Group Part of the University of Bolton Group

Issue #5

CONTENTS 3...

8...

We’re unstoppable!

Student and staff case studies from lockdown.

Learning resources Helping bridge the gap between school and College.

10... A future in

the fast lane Our new Motor Vehicle Employer Academy, proudly supported by the RRG Group.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

College Connect Issue 5 - June 2020

12... A safe learning environment

20...

14... Young people and

22...

16... New courses for 2020

23...

College safety measures for the coronavirus pandemic. mental health How we look after our students’ mental health.

Learn more about our new Forensics and Computing courses.

18...

Our latest emags Links to our latest emags, Campus Buzz and Supporting The Bolton Family.

Staying positive Ways to stay positive during and after lockdown.

University of Bolton Virtual Open Day How to join the 1st July open event.

Higher Education Discover our competitively priced HE courses.

24...

26...

Welcome from the Principal

Bolton College’s Key Workers How our students have stepped up during lockdown.

Are your details correct?

We need your correct contact details – find out how to update them.

Firstly and most importantly, I hope that this issue finds you and your family keeping well. I’m sure you’ll agree that the past few months have been challenging, however, I’d like to reassure you on a number of things.

Despite the pandemic, your son or daughter’s place at Bolton College is guaranteed and they, along with our current students, remain our number one priority.

Although the College campus has been closed, learning has continued from home, and I’m so proud of how our amazing staff and students have risen to the challenge; we’ve included snippets of the fantastic feedback we’ve received in this issue.

I’m also pleased to confirm that we’re currently welcoming a limited number of students back to College. Their wellbeing is our primary concern, and I’m sure that some of the measures being taken will be in place when your son or daughter joins us.

I’m delighted to announce our brand new Motor Vehicle Employer Academy, proudly supported by The RRG Group, one of the most successful car dealerships in the North. Our students will continue to enjoy high-class training, but with a multitude of other benefits, equipping them for a successful future in the sector.

You’ll also find in this issue learning materials to support progression from school to College; details of our wellbeing strategy; links to our student emagazine; and much more.

Lastly, it’s important that we have the correct contact details for you and your son or daughter.

Important information about their course and start date is communicated via email, post, and in some instances, by phone. To update, simply email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk or call 01204 482 155.

Bill Webster, Principal of Bolton College.

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“ Together, we’re unstoppable!

We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we’ve received from our students and staff during lockdown. We’ve supported each other and shown drive, determination and ambition – we want to share some of it with you!

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Together, we’re unstoppable!

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Rob’s really stepped up and flourished; he’s worked in a care home tirelessly throughout lockdown, living away from his family because some of them are vulnerable.

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Already a star student, Ollie’s remained engaged; he was even invited on to BBC Radio Manchester to talk about lockdown learning.

Our students have encountered difficulties but still managed to adapt to a different way of learning; I applaud them!

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Leah’s Media Make-up work from home has been outstanding. She’s not let lockdown get in the way of her ambitions.

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Muna’s shined in lockdown; she’s completed non-compulsory work to get university ready.

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Together, we’re unstoppable!

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The mentors have been fantastic! Some learners don’t really have access to technology, so the team found ways to overcome this and get the job done.

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I’m visually impaired, so I was really struggling with my GCSE work during lockdown.

This was picked up straight away by the College, I got the support I needed, and now I feel really confident.

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I couldn’t believe it when staff from the art department turned up on my doorstep, during lockdown, with full personal protective equipment on. They dropped off my sketchbook, from a safe distance, so I could work on it. They did the same for my mates. Thanks to them, I’m still on track for a Distinction.

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I was thinking about quitting my course during lockdown but fortunately, my tutor and mentor persuaded me not to. They put loads of support in place, checking in on me constantly, and now I’ve just applied for uni!

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Ravinder, who teaches Business, has continued to put others first during lockdown. She used her charity connections to sort support for a learner whose family were struggling to buy food.

” College Connect page 5

Together, we’re unstoppable!

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Sofia wowed me by setting up Whatsapp groups to support her classmates through lockdown.

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Paul’s volunteered at the Hospital’s mental health unit in lockdown. He’s wrote poetry and music for the patients and shared creative recovery strategies. We’re so proud of him.

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Asim’s engaged from day one of lockdown.

He’s been online all day, every day, to complete all his tasks and tests. He’s remained pleasant, respectful and hardworking.

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Sports apprentices Charlie and Finn have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, taking up roles outside of their job spec by becoming Teaching Assistants and caring for children of key workers.

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Charlie goes out of his way to help his colleagues and the children he works with.

It’s a pleasure working with Finn; he plays a positive and significant role in the school.

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They don’t have access to our professional kitchens, but that’s not stopped our Catering students from producing show-stopping dishes from home!

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Together, we’re unstoppable!

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The construction department’s tutors and mentors have been on it during lockdown. The mentors have been in touch constantly, pushing us, and the tutors have done some really engaging Zoom lessons.

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With the help of Admissions, Hannah set up a Zoom open event for nursing; this led to the highest number of portfolio submissions for the Cadet programme, an amazing achievement in the current climate.

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Patient, understanding, encouraging – this is Laura over the past few months! She always has our best interests at heart.

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In lockdown, staff have shown exceptional communication skills and understood each individual’s needs. I’ve seen them on the phone, patiently helping parents and carers to access Moodle, so that they can support their child at home.

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The support team, they’ve been outstanding in lockdown! Thanks to them, so many students have completed their studies and moved on to the next level of their learning.

” College Connect page 7

College life is just around the corner We’re very excited about working with you, as a parent or carer, to help your son or daughter achieve their future ambitions.

The world is a bit confusing at the moment, so we’d like to assure you that when it comes to your young person’s next steps, we’re here to support them.

You can help them prepare for College by sharing our recommended materials and activities in the learning resources linked below and on the opposite page.

These materials aren’t just about the classroom either - they also give a taste of college life, with links to our recent student e-magazines and amazing enrichment programme.

Select an area of interest, and if your young person is not 100% sure about their next career step, simply browse the range of options together.

If you, or your son or daughter, have any questions regarding their application, just email our admissions team on admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk Remember, your son or daughter is in safe hands!

Click here to view all learning resources or click an area of interest on the page opposite:

Click Here

College CollegeConnect Connectpage page68

learning resources

HAIRDRESSING, BARBERING & MAKE-UP ART, DESIGN & DIGITAL MEDIA

SPORTS & FITNESS

COMPUTING & IT

TRAVEL & TOURISM

EVENT, HOSPITALITY & CATERING

MOTOR VEHICLE HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

PUBLIC SERVICES

BEAUTY THERAPY

APPLIED SCIENCE

ESOL CHILDCARE

PERFORMING ARTS

ENGINEERING BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

College Connect page 7page 9 College Connect

Bolton College’s Motor Vehicle Employer Academy, proudly supported by the RRG Group.

Bolton College is excited to announce its brand new Motor Vehicle Employer Academy supported by the RRG Group, and world-famous car brands Toyota, Lexus and Skoda!

Thanks to the RRG Group, one of most successful car dealership groups in Northern England, studying motor vehicle at Bolton College just got better.

Motor vehicle students will continue to enjoy high-class training and inspirational teaching, but the new Academy is going to bring even more benefits:

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• Training on the latest hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

• High-quality industry placements, helping our students to find their dream role.

• Experienced guest speakers from the RRG Group, providing an overview and professional insight into the car industry.

• Mock interviews with recruitment experts from the motor vehicle sector.

• Access to the University of Bolton’s National Centre for Motorsport Engineering.

Part of the University of Bolton Group

On completion of their programme, our students will be well-equipped for the future, with the technical and personal skills needed to excel in the fast-paced motor vehicle industry. It’s time to speed towards success!

If your young person has applied for a motor vehicle course, further details about the Academy will be provided in September.

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A safe learning environment for our students The safety and wellbeing of our young people is the College’s number one priority.

Following the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has recently confirmed that colleges can start to welcome back learners, where appropriate. As such, stringent health and safety assessments have been completed in College and appropriate safety measures are in place.

In adherence with government guidelines, we will continue to monitor and upgrade these measures in line with Government guidance, ensuring that when your son or daughter joins us in September, the College continues to be a safe place to learn.

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Part of the University of Bolton Group

Following government guidelines, here are just some of the measures we currently have in place:

• • • • • • • • •

Hand sanitisers available at key points throughout College.

Hand-held temperature checking machines.

An increased cleaning regime.

Reduced class sizes, with appropriate spaces between desks and workstations.

One way systems for movement around the building and specified staircases with a directional flow.

Lifts used only by those with mobility needs.

PPE available as per curriculum area risk assessment.

All breaks taken in outside areas, with staggered break and lunch times.

Perspex screens for staff in customer-facing roles.

To read more about the measures we’ve put in place to keep our students safe, read our Guide and Checklist below.

Click Here

Click Here College Connect page 13

Young P eople

& mental health

Like most colleges, we’ve seen a massive increase of reported mental health issues in our young people.

Social media, exam pressure and turbulent times each play a part; thankfully, as a society, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the importance of good mental health, speaking out and offering support.

Prince William and Prince Harry recently spearheaded the Heads Together campaign, whilst Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Ricky Hatton have all been vocal about their own mental health struggles, demonstrating that it’s OK to not be OK. Thankfully, young people are much more comfortable about speaking out, and in College, we actively encourage them to do so. This means that your son or daughter can speak to us confidentially, and we will listen.

We have a tailored, whole-college approach to supporting young people. As such, our approach includes a variety of initiatives, including:

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Wellbeing strategy Overseeing our whole approach, this strategy is available online here.

Self-assessment When they start College, our students take a psychometric wellbeing assessment, helping us to understand them. This means that even if they don’t self-disclose, we’re aware that they may be prone to, for example, anxiety.

Enrichment All of the College’s enrichment activities are based around the NHS’s Five Steps to Wellbeing.

Click here to view.

As a result, we run several clubs, activities and trips, as well as targeted sessions for vulnerable students.

Staff training

Training for all staff enables us to quickly spot any issues or concerns we may have with our students. 50 College staff are mental health first aiders, whilst 200 have received adverse childhood experience (ACE) training, with more to follow.

Student champions Student feedback is essential, that’s why we’ve recruited 15 student wellbeing champions. Their unique take ensures that the measures we have in place work for our young people.

Ada

Our student’s can access our chatbot Ada any time, day or night, for support or advice.

Ada will direct them to various helplines, as well as signposting their concerns with the wellbeing team.

Rest assured that our students’ wellbeing is our priority throughout their time with us. These measures are in place to support your son or daughter, but if you ever have any concerns, please contact us.

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NEW for september 2020!

BTEC Level 3 Forensics & Criminal Investigation

APP

NOWLY

www . ac.uk boltonco l /ypappl lege. icati on

BTEC Level 3 Forensics & Criminal Investigation If you want an exciting career in Forensics, Criminology, Policing or Forensic Psychology, then this full-time study programme is the place to start!

Equivalent to three A Levels, you’ll learn: • Science Investigation Skills • Forensic Investigation Practices

• Criminal Investigation Procedures • Applications of Criminology

Once completed, you’ll have the qualifications to progress to a Higher Education degree, allowing you to pursue a career as a: • Police Officer • Crime Scene Investigator • Prison Officer

• Forensic Scientist • Psychologist • Criminal Profiler • Plus more!

Like more information? Please email Mike Bruns, our Curriculum Leader for Public Services, on mike.bruns@boltoncc.ac.uk College Connect page 16

NEW for september 2020!

BTEC LEVEL 3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXTENDED DIPLOMA

APP

NOWLY

www . ac.uk boltonco l /ypappl lege. icati on

BTEC Level 3 Information Technology Extended Diploma Think a career in Computing & IT means fixing computers? Think again! IT is one of the fastest-growing industries, so there are lots of paths to choose in this exciting sector.

On this specialist, two-year course, which is the equivalent to three A Levels, topics include: • IT Service Delivery

• Programming

• Cyber Security

• IT Project Management

Optional units include: • Website Development

• Digital Animation & Effects

• Games Development

Once completed, there are opportunities to progress to university, or to begin a career in the IT sector. Once qualified, careers could include: • IT Operations Technician • IT Project Manager • App Designer

• Computer Games Developer • Computer Games Tester • Web Designer

• Systems Analyst • Animator • Cyber Security Specialist

Like more information? Please email our Curriculum Leader for Computing & IT on maxine.houghton@boltoncc.ac.uk

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Issue #4 of for young people

Is out now Inside, you’ll find: • Competitions for Amazon vouchers • Delicious dishes created by our Level 2 Catering students

• Hip Hop Fit • University virtual open days

Check it out here:

click here and don’t forget to share it with your young person!

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Issue #2 of ‘Supporting The Bolton Family’ is OUT NOW! Inside, you’ll find technology tips to help keep you connected with friends, family and colleagues; employment support; expert advice from our family learning team; online learning opportunities; and important contacts for key organisations.

click here Please share, and we look forward to receiving your suggestions for Issue #3!

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Understanding how to stay positive Stay Fit Pencil in some daily exercise routines to add structure to your day. Added benefits include boosting your immune system, reducing stress, and supporting your mental health.

Stay Connected Don’t isolate yourself and lose your connections. Luckily, we live in the 21st century where technology has helped us to connect or reconnect with people from all around the world. So, even though we cannot physically meet up, there are always ways to enjoy each other’s company virtually, to help take our mind off things.

Look After Your Wellbeing When you start feeling overwhelmed, practise mindfulness. You can do this by meditating, doing yoga, or anything else you may find therapeutic. Here are some NHS-approved wellbeing apps to aid mindfulness: Click Here

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Lockdown Tips Coping with the new normal Support and advice during Covid-19.

The recent TSR student poll shows that students across the country are struggling with the changes brought by COVID-19 and the consequent lockdown restrictions.

When asked about factors affecting their mental health, many identified a lack of purpose or routine as having the biggest impact on their wellbeing. Loneliness brought by lack of social contact was also noted to have an impact on their wellbeing.

Top things you can do to help We’ve put together a list of useful tips on how to cope with the new normal:

Create a timetable Maintain the same routine as you would do on a normal day. Start each day by creating a timetable and a list of tasks you need to complete for the day. This is important for giving you a sense of routine and purpose.

Distinguish your workspace from your personal space It is important that you maintain a work/life balance.

It is easy to feel that you have no routine when working from home. Your personal space has suddenly become workspace and there’s no sense of escape. By setting up a workspace in your home, you are able to set a specific area to work in and with the help of your timetable, you will be able to switch off when you need to.

Schedule Breaks

Schedule frequent breaks to help you stay focused.

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University of Bolton Virtual Open Day #UniAsItShouldBe Register for the University of Bolton’s next Virtual Open Day! Scheduled for Wednesday 1st July, between 10am-1pm, it’s your opportunity to chat live with tutors and staff, giving you a real taste of university life.

Just click ‘Register now’ below:

Register Now

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Higher Education

We’re proud to deliver Higher Education (HE) provision on behalf of the University of Bolton.

Choosing to study a HE course at Bolton College brings many benefits: access to all of the resources available at both College AND the University; reduced costs – our prices are bench marked to be competitive and excellent value for money; and convenience - existing students find that choosing to stay on at College locally is a real win-win!

All of our Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Certificates (HNCs) are taught by industryexperienced tutors, with the opportunity for progression to top-up degrees. Choose:

• Civil Engineering HNC or HND • Construction HNC • Computing HND

• Electrical & Electronic Engineering HND • Public Services HND

Interested? Whether it’s for you, or your young person, visit www.boltoncollege.ac.yk/higher-education to learn more.

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Bolton College’s Key Workers Dabo Golicha Health & Social Care Level 3 Dabo has ambitions to become a Paramedic.

In the meantime, the former Ladybridge High School pupil is working at S&S Pharmacy.

Leanne Moore Health & Social Care Level 3 Former Rivington & Blackrod pupil Leanne loves her role at Parkview Residential Home. The Care Assistant would like to become an Adult Nurse.

Chelsea Glover Health & Social Care Cadet Level 3 Healthcare Assistant Chelsea is keeping busy at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospital. In the future, the ex-Hindley High School pupil would like to become a Paramedic.

Ifeoma Ajaegbu Health & Social Care Level 2 Support Worker and Health Care Assistant Ifeoma is working at Nurseplus. In the future, she would like to pursue a career in mental health.

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We’re so proud of our Health & Social Care learners, who are making a real difference as key workers during the current coronavirus outbreak. We salute you, and would like to say a big thank you from everyone at Bolton College!

Leytem Camerica Health & Social Care Level 2 Leytem’s working as a Care Assistant at Four Seasons Care Home. She’d like to become a Nurse.

Lydia Thomson Health & Social Care Cadet Level 3 Lydia’s an Advisor at Superdrug. The former St Jospeh’s RC High School pupil would like to become a Midwife.

Salma Mushtaq Health & Social Care Level 2 Following work experience at Independent Social Living, Salma was offered a permanent position.

From May, she’ll be supporting residents with a range of issues, and would like to study psychology and sociology, so that she can continue to contribute to society.

Carol Adams-Jackson Health & Social Care Level 2 Carol works as a Health Care Assistant at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Eventually, she’d like to train as a Nurse.

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Are your contact details correct?

Now, more than ever, it’s essential that your contact details are up to date.

Important information regarding your son or daughter’s course and start date is communicated via email, post, and in some instances, by phone. If your details aren’t correct, then we have no way of reaching you, which means missing out on essential information regarding their College course and joining us in September.

If your contact details, or your son or daughter’s have changed since they applied, it’s really easy to let us know. Simply email admissions@ boltoncc.ac.uk

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